Hong Kong has long proved a captivating setting for both local and foreign filmmakers. The vibrant city, known for its East-meets-West cultural identity, has a unique ambiance that’s perfectly suited to the movies. Whether a bustling local street in Kowloon, a peaceful fishing village in the New Territories, or the soaring skyline of Hong Kong Island, the city offers gorgeous, one-of-a-kind backdrops. Below, we’ve selected five of our favourite Hong Kong films that take the city as their inspiration.
Enter the Dragon, 1973
Arguably one of his best, this Bruce Lee movie was the very first Hollywood-made Chinese martial arts film. The famous “kick me” scene, in which Lee instructs a pupil in emotional combat, was filmed in the verdant Tsing Shan Monastery, which sits on the slopes of Castle Peak on the western side of the New Territories.
The Killer, 1989
Prolific Hong Kong-born director John Woo is known for his creative work within the action genre. The Killer, starring Chow Yun Fat, is one of his most celebrated movies. The film’s gunfight scenes were filmed at Causeway Bay, where the shootouts drew complaints from the residents and caused chaos in the district. In another iconic Hong Kong moment, actor Danny Lee’s character is shown jumping on the tram on Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, during a particularly exciting scene.
